§ 143-215.8A. Planning.
§ 143‑215.8A. Planning.
(a) Policy, Purpose and Intent. The Commission and Departmentshall undertake a continuing planning process to develop and adopt plans andprograms to assure that the policy, purpose and intent declared in this Articleare carried out with regard to establishing and enforcing standards of waterpurity designed to protect human health, to prevent injury to plant and animallife, to prevent damage to public and private property, to enhance the qualityof the environment, to insure the continued enjoyment of the naturalattractions of the State, to encourage the expansion of employmentopportunities, to provide a permanent foundation for healthy industrialdevelopment, and to insure the beneficial use of the water resources of the State.
(b) Goals. The goals of the continuing planning process shallbe the enhancement of the quality of life and protection of the environmentthrough development by the Commission of water quality plans and programsutilizing the resources of the State on a priority basis to attain, maintain,and enhance water quality standards and water purity throughout the State.
(c) Statewide and Regional Planning. The planning process maybe conducted on a statewide or regional basis, as the Commission shall determineappropriate. If the Commission elects to proceed on a regional basis, it shalldelineate the boundaries of each region by preparation of appropriate maps; bydescription referring to geographical features, established landmarks orpolitical boundaries; or such other manner that the extent and limits of eachregion shall be easily ascertainable. The Commission shall consult officialsand agencies of localities and regions in the development of plans affectingthose areas.
(d) Local Planning Organizations. The Commission shall submitto the Governor or his designee any plans, projections, data, comments orrecommendations that he may request. If the Governor determines that the goalsof this section will be more expeditiously and efficiently achieved, he maydesignate a representative organization, capable of carrying out a planningprocess for any region of the State or area therein, to develop plans,consistent with the State's water quality management plans, for the control orabatement of water pollution within such region or area. The Commission shallconsult with, advise, and assist any organization so designated in thepreparation of its plans and shall submit to the Governor the Commission'scomments and recommendations regarding such plans. All such organizations shallsubmit plans developed by them to the Governor for review, and no plan shall beeffective until concurred in and approved by him.
(e) Interstate Planning Regions. The Governor may consult andcooperate with the governor of any adjoining state in establishing aninterstate planning region or area and in designating a representativeorganization, capable of carrying out a planning process for the region orarea, to develop plans, consistent with the State's water quality management plans,for the control or abatement of water pollution within such region or area, ifhe determines that such region or area has common water quality controlproblems for which an interstate plan would be most effective.
(f) Repealed by Session Laws 1987, c. 827, s. 166. (1973, c. 698, s. 13; c. 1262, s. 23; 1977, c. 771, s.4; 1987, c. 827, ss. 154, 166.)